Seems like S&C is a tough position to judge. The new guys are usually ballyhooed as difference makers, replacing some other guy that was ballyhooed as a difference maker. At smaller institutions, the good ones usually have tenure that transcends coaching regimes. So, what to make of journeymen S&C guys? Hard to tell, really. Welcome other thoughts on this, as there is rarely a retrospective look at which ones were good and which ones were not so good.
Excellent post. Journeyman appears to be the right word for this individual, and much varied experience (which this guy has, to say the least!), can be a great thing. I really like how he took some credit for his role in some recent success, but mostly put it into context of many oars pulling in the same direction.
Speaking of oars, the 2023 George Clooney-directed film “The Boys in the Boat” features Cal against the protagonist Washington Husky crew that (spoiler alert) won the natty and the Berlin Olympics. We show up as formidable good sports.
I once moved across three states to take a job where my predecessor had yet to be informed of her imminent departure. The boss even took us both out to dinner. Awkward, to say the least.
So if I’m a new Cal Football hire and the organization trumpets my arrival without a whisper as to who I’m replacing — nor any separate announcements about at least, maybe, sorta, some kinda “reorganization” — I’d be wondering if I might endure a similar fate.
A year and a half later I gave two weeks and split for one of the best jobs I’d ever have.
Exactly my point, above. I am sure the people inside (players, etc.) have a sense of this issue, but we don't get much information about it, until a change is made.
It did look we slid in the second half a lot, but was that depth or S&C, or both? Clearly we're not kicking anybody's butt.
From what I recall, we have been injury riddled and derailed going all the way back to Sonny's time. Not knocking anybody, but the injuries speak for themselves.
Not if they “go back to” forever. Then all they say is, “injuries happen in football regardless of who the strength coach is.” Personally I think we tend to read too much causation into that correlation.
Most football injuries are not caused by poor conditioning or strength. ACL, PCL, Achilles tears, broken bones have nothing to do with how strong muscles are or a players endurance. They are from bending a joint in the wrong way with great force, or direct hit on a bone. Strength conditioning just makes you stronger than your opponent and endurance makes you have more minutes playing time before exhaustion sets in.
I remember one of our oline guys puking on the field I think a center? I forget which game. Hopefully under this coach, we don’t have that kind of thing happen
Seems like S&C is a tough position to judge. The new guys are usually ballyhooed as difference makers, replacing some other guy that was ballyhooed as a difference maker. At smaller institutions, the good ones usually have tenure that transcends coaching regimes. So, what to make of journeymen S&C guys? Hard to tell, really. Welcome other thoughts on this, as there is rarely a retrospective look at which ones were good and which ones were not so good.
Excellent post. Journeyman appears to be the right word for this individual, and much varied experience (which this guy has, to say the least!), can be a great thing. I really like how he took some credit for his role in some recent success, but mostly put it into context of many oars pulling in the same direction.
Speaking of oars, the 2023 George Clooney-directed film “The Boys in the Boat” features Cal against the protagonist Washington Husky crew that (spoiler alert) won the natty and the Berlin Olympics. We show up as formidable good sports.
Torre Becton was good. About 4 years ago he went to Texas with Sark and they are doing fantastic. Stay strong and healthy BEARS!
I once moved across three states to take a job where my predecessor had yet to be informed of her imminent departure. The boss even took us both out to dinner. Awkward, to say the least.
So if I’m a new Cal Football hire and the organization trumpets my arrival without a whisper as to who I’m replacing — nor any separate announcements about at least, maybe, sorta, some kinda “reorganization” — I’d be wondering if I might endure a similar fate.
A year and a half later I gave two weeks and split for one of the best jobs I’d ever have.
There is absolutely no way to phrase admiration for strong and conditioned Bears without raising eyebrows. So, uh, welcome to the team.
Nice.
Looks like JW is cleaning house.
Welcome, indeed.
This has been an area of need for a long time.
Why do you think that? I'm curious. We always have staff, and I've never heard or noticed any difference whatsoever.
Exactly my point, above. I am sure the people inside (players, etc.) have a sense of this issue, but we don't get much information about it, until a change is made.
It did look we slid in the second half a lot, but was that depth or S&C, or both? Clearly we're not kicking anybody's butt.
From what I recall, we have been injury riddled and derailed going all the way back to Sonny's time. Not knocking anybody, but the injuries speak for themselves.
I think we have fewer injuries lately compared to the past.
Not if they “go back to” forever. Then all they say is, “injuries happen in football regardless of who the strength coach is.” Personally I think we tend to read too much causation into that correlation.
Most football injuries are not caused by poor conditioning or strength. ACL, PCL, Achilles tears, broken bones have nothing to do with how strong muscles are or a players endurance. They are from bending a joint in the wrong way with great force, or direct hit on a bone. Strength conditioning just makes you stronger than your opponent and endurance makes you have more minutes playing time before exhaustion sets in.
I remember one of our oline guys puking on the field I think a center? I forget which game. Hopefully under this coach, we don’t have that kind of thing happen